Howes Percival LLP - True Picture

Howes Percival training contract review 2025

The Firm

London can be an intimidating place; among other things, the Big Smoke is home to law firms aplenty and you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s where you need to be to get the most out of your legal career. But it certainly isn’t the case that London is all that a law career in the UK has to offer. Howes Percival has persevered in building a substantial reputation for its work in the regions: “The first thing I noticed was that it was a firm that had big clients and big transactions, but wasn’t based in London,” one trainee told us, “and it was clearly a firm that was trying to progress and be on its way up. There's a consistent ambition to grow.” Speaking of growth, Howes’ Moving Castle continues to expand, adding a brand-new Oxford office on 1 January 2024 to its existing network covering Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Norwich. 

“They have put their name on the map outside of London.”

Chambers UK bestows over ten rankings upon the firm across practices like banking & finance, corporate M&A, litigation, planning, real estate, real estate litigation and agriculture & rural affairs in East Anglia. Oh, and that’s alongside top-tier rankings in restructuring/insolvency and social housing as well. The Chambers High Net Worth guide is also getting in on the action, acknowledging the firm’s private health law work. Sources praised the firm for forging its own path away from the typical London firms: “It’s by no means a massive firm, but they don’t want to be like that either. They have put their name on the map outside of London.” When asked what they’d thought of their training contract so far, one source quickly replied: “I’m just loving it really! Spread the news!”

The Seats

Upon joining the firm, new trainees are placed into a first seat which is decided by business need. That said, that’s the only restriction in place, as after that trainees are approached three months into their seat to provide their top three choices for their next rotation. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but the sources we spoke with found the firm quite accommodating: “It’s a dialogue; they try to make room for you where they can.”

“You get involved in everything so deeply that you inevitably become familiar with it, and that makes you feel more confident.”

Trainees that had done a spell in corporate took an enormous amount of pride in the group: “It’s the most exciting team in the firm at the minute,” one trainee was quick to highlight, “we’ve been getting some fairly high-profile deals coming through.” The group largely does M&A work in sectors like health care and hotels, with typical trainee tasks revolving around the likes of drafting ancillary documents, due diligence, compiling checklists, and emailing clients. Sources admitted that responsibility was slightly less than in other seats due to the nature of the deals: “With M&A, you’re unavoidably a smaller part of a much bigger thing.” That said, as you progress, so does the level of you’re working at: “I think corporate can seem overwhelming, but actually it’s not. You get involved in everything so deeply that you inevitably become familiar with it, and that makes you feel more confident.” Indeed, multiple sources spoke of getting to see a deal from start to finish, ensuring that trainees saw the full life cycle of a deal. Brewers is a recurring client of the firm’s and Howes Percival recently advised the company on its acquisition of The Paint Shed and its 20 associated stores as a part of its expansion into Scotland.

“...it takes one conversation to make them aware and they’ll help. They want to build you up.” 

Over ininsolvency, trainees were kept pretty busy with the amount of contentious work on offer. Broadly, the group works with companies that are liquidating or going bankrupt, advising them on how to recover any assets. We heard that part of the draw was that trainees get to put their detective caps on: “We go through a lot of documents and see if any managers have been using the company bank card to go shopping at Harrods or something like that. There's a lot of investigative work in that seat.” Trainees are also able to get experience drafting letters before action, settlement discussions, client calls, court documents, and research. If the workload ever becomes too tough, the general consensus was that it helps to vocalise it: “If you’re overworked, it takes one conversation to make them aware and they’ll help. They want to build you up.”  This was backed up by other sources who acknowledged that the support they received only helped their development: “My confidence has grown massively in this seat!” In one recent case, the firm advised on the investigation into the failure of BHS, and were subsequently involved in the disqualification proceedings of BHS directors.

The commercial property team is one of the largest in the firm’s repertoire. Split into the sub-teams of landlord and tenant, and commercial occupiers: “You get involved in everything really, it was a real mix throughout,” one trainee told us, “which was really handy for my future seats.” These areas include commercial leases, disposals, sales transactions, drafting deeds of variation and contracts and more. In one recent matter, the firm provided real estate advice to a landowner consortium on one of the largest proposed residential-led mixed use developments in Norfolk. We heard trainees were sometimes running smaller deals (under supervision, of course) which helped them to develop into fully fledged lawyers all the faster: “A lot of the work can be quite technical and chunky, which can be difficult but hugely beneficial as a trainee.” In addition to standard landlords and tenants being represented, the firm also works with big property developers on multimillion-pound developments.

Sources told us that the employment group often had a touch of unpredictability: “It’s almost ad hoc. You’ll get a client call in the morning and they’ll say: ‘this has happened, what do I do?’ You’ve got to think very practically and respond quickly.” This meant that, on the whole, it’s not always possible to plan for the week ahead, as there’s always something new that presents itself. Our sources wouldn’t want you to mistake that for criticism however: “I’ve done such a variety of work here and they’ve kept us busy, I’ve learned a lot!” Broadly speaking, trainees found themselves advising clients on processes and redundancy situations. Typical tasks include bundling, taking the first drafts of contracts of employment, and tribunal hearings. One recent client – Medigold Health – brought Howes Percival in to advise on the acquisition of Health Management, particularly around due diligence and negotiating service agreements where required.

Trainee Life

Trainees told us that supervision and feedback were of a high quality during their seats: “They love to challenge me as to why I’ve reached certain conclusions, they test my knowledge as to why things have happened to improve my commercial awareness.” Feedback is always readily available from whoever gives the trainee a task, which interviewees highlighted as especially helpful: “They’ll always check it and put corrections in a red font and then we’ll go through it together. I’ve learned quite a lot from it because they give me the time.” The firm opts for a more ‘learn on the job’ approach, with most of a trainee’s core development coming from doing day-to-day tasks. As you progress through the training contract, sources explained that their supervisors relaxed a bit more. The reason? Because trainees naturally became more experienced as they progressed: “In my first seat my supervisor was really hands on, always encouraging me and motivating me to bring the best out of myself.”

“In my first seat my supervisor was really hands on, always encouraging me and motivating me to bring the best out of myself.”

Given the firm's presence in the regions, trainees found themselves frequenting different offices from time to time: “I’ve worked out of Northampton, Leicester and Milton Keynes. They’re all within an hour commute of each other.” Sources praised the decision to keep all offices open plan, noting the increased camaraderie of having everyone together: “All the partners are right there with you which is nice. You can just go up and grab them if you need anything.” Each office also comes with its little quirks and perks. For example, we heard Northampton runs Pilates on a Thursday, and Milton Keynes offers toast on Fridays, as well as a drinks trolley on Thursdays.

Office attendance depends on the team, but there is a soft expectation for trainees to be in as much as possible which our sources were happy to oblige: “I’m in every day. That’s my choice. I like to learn by osmosis.” If you have a particular set of circumstances that would make coming in more difficult, sources told us the firm is supportive, ensuring that “there is flexibility if you need to stay at home for a day or two.” As for hours, insiders overwhelmingly reported a standard 9-5pm lifestyle that isn’t particularly common in the world of law, with the exception of just one group: corporate. Those in that uniquely busy team stressed that while longer hours aren’t the default, deals do ramp up from time to time. Contrary to what you might think, this was part of the draw: “That’s one of the most enjoyable bits. You wouldn’t want it every day, but it can be fun!”

“I don’t know if they purposely hire relaxed and friendly people, but everyone here is comfortable and approachable.”

When asked about the culture at Howes Percival, sources were clear that “the culture is the best thing the firm has. I don’t know if they purposely hire relaxed and friendly people, but everyone here is comfortable and approachable.” Trainees told us that the social scene at was a standout and it’s no wonder when you hear what’s on offer: “There’s loads of events. We have a trainee party at the beginning of the year that’s organised by the second years, there’s five a side football, pancake day, indoor racing, Christmas quizzes and party. The works!” The firm also run a ‘Coffee and Connect’ every two months, designed to help trainees get to know people in the firm they wouldn’t otherwise come across. Most notably, the firm had its AGM the week of our research, which went down a treat with trainees: “It was super fun for everyone; we did bingo, an escape room, truffle-making, and of course a drink or two. It really brings the firm together.”

Sources lauded the firm’s push for an inclusive working environment, pointing to such steps as a coffee and chat event for menopause awareness that’s held every couple months, and the firm’s commitment to raising awareness for mental health. Sources did admit that racial diversity was lacking, but did not lay the blame at the firm’s feet. After all, “Norwich, for example, is just incredibly white British. The firm knows we can do better and they’re taking it seriously.”

Insiders acknowledged that their pay may be lower than their contemporaries in London, but considering other factors, they had minimal complaints. As one put it: “I think it’s fair for the region and the hours we put in, in fact, I think it’s quite good.” As qualification looms, we heard the process is as simple as can be. The firm makes sure “they release a jobs list for NQ vacancies and then you just send over an email to the partner in that group expressing your interest.” If more than one trainee is going for one spot, sources told us you may have to make your case in slightly more detail in writing, but no interviews will be required. If a trainee doesn’t get the role they’re after, we heard the firm will do its best to find a place for them: “They always want to retain their trainees and do their best to do so.” One shared that they believed that “a lot of people stay for their whole careers, and I can see myself staying here for that long as well. It’s that simple.”

How to get a Howes Percival training contract

Application form

The firm receives around 200 to 300 initial applications. The application form covers standard CV and experience questions, like 'why do you want to be a lawyer?' and 'why do you want to work for Howes Percival?' as well as a few designed to draw out a bit of your personality like 'what's your best non-sporting achievement?' There's no specific question about local links, though we reckon mentioning things which tie you to the regions where the firm operates will do you no harm.

Assessment day and interview

Before attending the assessment centre, applicants are asked to complete an online numerical reasoning test. The half-day assessment centre itself consists of three parts: a 45-minute written commercial test, a presentation and a one-hour interview. The written test is based on a commercial scenario in which you're asked to write a piece of advice to a client.

The presentation is on a topic you'll be given on the day and tends to be fairly light-hearted – again, it is supposed to draw out something of your personality. In the past, applicants have been asked which book, film and CD they'd take with them to a desert island and (in another year) what three people, dead or alive, they'd invite to their ideal dinner party. (If you are asked that latter question, be honest, don't just name three famous lawyers unless you have a really good reason to.)

The interview is with two senior lawyers and is a more serious affair, though don't be afraid to showcase your personality. Expect to be asked about a typical array of competencies – strengths and weaknesses, analysis and decision-making, teamwork, initiative – as well as commercial awareness questions: for instance, 'what makes a law firm successful?' There are some scenario-based questions too, but also some more easy-going ones like 'what makes you laugh?' (Don't say: lawyer jokes.)

Vacation scheme

HP's vac scheme lasts just a week and consists of students spending a single day in five different departments. They shadow a trainee or other junior lawyers and mix attending court and meetings with some real work and a number of set tasks. On one afternoon, there is an assessed group exercise and some (though not all) participants will be invited back for a final training contract interview.

The firm runs schemes in the summer in Leicester, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Norwich, with four to six places on each.

Trainee Profile

Among the trainees there were graduates from institutions in the regions where the firm works – Leicester and UEA – as well as individuals from places further afield like Sheffield, Birmingham and Queen Mary, London.

Links to the local region are a common denominator among trainees. Nearly all our interviewees had either grown up in the East Midlands or East Anglia or been to uni there. Many continue to cultivate these local connections during their training through involvement with local charity fund-raising and business development.